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He said: “The withdrawal of this application will come as a surprise to some, but I have thought for some time that it would be difficult for the local councils to agree the suggested development.

“My understanding is that alternatives are being worked on, and I am confident that the club will be coming forward with new proposals which will secure the progress that Cambridge United have been making.

“I absolutely support the ambition that the club has shown and the current leadership in their determination to take the club forward and deliver a stadium and facilities that all supporters and the local community can take pride in.”

Cambridge Fans United chairman Robert Osbourn said: “It seems very clear that South Cambs have made their decision for the reason it’s given and where you’ve got green belt, that does give you more of a difficulty getting it overturned.

“While it’s disappointing that the scheme isn’t going ahead, we look forward to the club and Grosvenor coming forward with whatever alternatives that they may have.”

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Stephen Gooch was disappointed the plans were ditched on behalf of the wider community and grassroots sports.

He said: “These plans were not just for United but for the future of children and adults alike, encouraging sporting activities. It would be an investment in facilities and people.”

Rob James called on Mr Zeichner to step in.

He said: “I voted for Daniel Zeichner and now I need his help. What’s it going to take to get a Cambridge United FC stadium redevelopment passed?”

Commenting on Cambridge News Online, Pecko said: “Build a new ground at Waterbeach; road and future rail links, new development, not on green belt and would be a bonus for the local community.”

jft1990 said: “Lots of comments here misunderstanding. The council haven’t blocked it, it’s been withdrawn by the developer.”

He added: “This could actually turn out to be a good thing. Some speculation in U’s forums that we might be buying the Abbey back.”

Cyberwraithx1 was worried about house prices in the city after the plans to build hundreds of homes were scrapped.

He said: “So I guess this means that land values are going to be increased in the city, and that in turn means that little in way of social housing will be built, only high end developments ... which in turn will accrue higher council taxes for the council ... all makes sense now...

“Green belt equals a good excuse to push up land prices, and the council will reap the benefits, the same council that bleats about a housing crisis in the city ... bravo!”